Prescriptions during the Covid-19 pandemic

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There has been a significant increase in the request for prescriptions. During this time we ask that patients do not request prescriptions earlier than usual. We can provide prescriptions up to 10 days before they are due.

To prevent medicines supply problems, we will not be giving larger quantities of medicines on prescription or providing 'rescue' packs where it is not deemed clinical necessary. We may also change your prescription to an electronic prescription which should make it easier to request in future. 

Requesting your prescription online may reduce your need to come into the pharmacy or surgery. We ask that you do this if you can by downloading the NHS App.

We process around 5,500 prescription requests every week. We would encourage everyone to request their repeat prescriptions electronically or through your nominated pharmacy. We aim to turn around electronic prescription requests within 72 hours and manual requests within 5 working days but please be aware that these timescales may be affected by increases in demand for prescriptions during busy periods.

We are aware that local Pharmacies are taking steps to manage their own demand including temporary closures and minimising the number of people in the pharmacy at any one time. There may also be disruption to some home delivery services. For more information please contact your pharmacy directly.

We are upgrading to the next phase of the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) which will mean that almost all our prescriptions will be processed electronically.

Electronic prescriptions help save the NHS money.

You will receive your prescriptions in the same way as you do now.

Read more about EPS on the NHS website.

The NHS is phasing out green paper prescriptions with most prescriptions now being sent electronically through via the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS). Almost all prescriptions will be sent electronically to the patients chosen pharmacy (known as their “nominated” dispenser).

From the 12th May 2020, even if you have not chosen or "nominated" a pharmacy, your prescription will still go electronically. You will be given an EPS token to take to any pharmacy. They will use the bar code on the token to "download" your prescription. 

The EPS token looks similar to the usual green prescription, but it won't be signed by your GP because this will now happen electronically. 

If it is not possible for you to collect the token from the surgery, the pharmacy can use your NHS number to access it. After some security checks they will be able to dispense your prescription. 

Having a nominated pharmacy is much easier; it means you can pick up your prescriptions without needing to collect tokens each time. You just need to ask your pharmacy or a member of reception to select your chosen pharmacy - it's quick and easy. 

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